CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
Explain why it is important to be computer literate
Define the term computer
Identify the components of a computer
Explain why a computer is a powerful tool
Differentiate among the various categories of software
Explain the purpose of a network
Discuss the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web
Describe the categories of computers and their uses

CHAPTER OVERVIEW
This chapter presents a broad survey of concepts and terminology related to computers. The
idea of computer literacy is introduced. Students discover what a computer is and what it does.
They learn about the components of a computer, the power of computers, computer software,
and networks and the Internet. Categories of computers are identified, including personal
computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers. Students find out how
people employ computers, from home users to large business users. Finally, they learn how
people use computers to provide information. Reading and understanding the material in this
chapter should help students better understand these topics as they are presented in more detail
in the following chapters.

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COMPUTER LITERACY
The vocabulary of computing is all around you. Before the advent of computers,
memory was the mental ability to recall previous experiences; storage was an area
where you kept out-of-season clothing; and communication was the act of
exchanging opinions and information through writing, speaking, or signs. In
todays world, these words and countless others have taken on new meanings as
part of the common terminology used to describe computers and their use.
When you hear the word computer, initially you may think of those found in the
workplace - the computers used to create business letters, memos, and other
correspondence; calculate payroll; track inventory; or generate invoices. In the
course of a day or week, however, you encounter many other computers. Your
home, for instance, may contain a myriad of electronic devices, such as cordless
telephones, VCRs, handheld video games, cameras, and stereo systems, that
include small computers.
Computers help you with your banking in the form of automatic teller machines
(ATMs) used to deposit or withdraw funds. When you buy groceries, a computer
tracks your purchases and calculates the amount of money you owe; and
sometimes generates coupons customized to your buying patterns.
Even your car is equipped with computers that operate the electrical system,
control the temperature, and run sophisticated antitheft devices.
Computers are valuable tools. As technology advances and computers extend into
every facet of daily living, it is essential you gain some level of computer literacy.
To be successful in todays world, you must have a knowledge and understanding
of computers and their uses.

1.2.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions
stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data
according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the
results for future use.
Data is a collection of un-organized facts, which can include words, numbers.
images, and sounds. Computers manipulate and process data to create
information.
Information is data that is organized, has meaning, and is useful. Examples are
reports, newsletters, a receipt, a picture, an invoice, or a check. Data is processed
and manipulated to create a check.
Data entered into a computer is called input. The processed results are called
output. Thus, a computer processes input to create output. A computer also can
hold data and information for future use in an area called storage. This cycle of
input, process, output, and storage is called the information processing cycle.
A person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates
is called a user. The electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up
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a computer is called hardware. Software is the series of instruction that tells the
hardware how to perform tasks. Without software, hardware is useless; hardware
needs the instructions provided by software to process data into information.

1.3

THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

A computer consists of a variety of hardware components that work together with
software to perform calculations, organize data, and communicate with other
computers.
These hardware components include input devices, output devices, a system unit,
storage devices, and communications devices. Figure 1-1 shows some common
computer hardware components.

Figure 1-1 common computer hardware components include a keyboard, mouse,

microphone, system unit, disk drives, printer, monitor, speakers,, and a modem.

1.3.1

Input Devices
An input device allows a user to enter data and commands into the
memory of a computer. Four commonly used input devices are the
keyboard, the mouse, a microphone, and a PC camera.
A computer keyboard contains keys that allow you to type letters of the
alphabet, numbers, spaces, punctuation marks, and other symbols. A
computer keyboard also contains special keys that allow you to perform
specific functions on the computer.
A mouse is a small handheld device that contains at least one button. The
mouse controls the movement of a symbol on the screen called a pointer.
For example, moving the mouse across a flat surface allows you to move
the pointer on the screen. You also can make choices and initiate
processing on the computer by using a mouse.
A microphone allows you to speak to the computer in order to enter data
and control the actions of the computer. A PC camera allows others to see
you while communicating with you, as well as allowing you to edit videos,
create a movie, and take digital photographs.

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1.3.2. OUTPUT DEVICES
An output device is used to convey the information generated by a
computer to a user. Three commonly used output devices are a printer, a
monitor, and speakers.
A printer produces text and graphics, such as photographs, on paper or
other hardcopy medium. A monitor, which looks like a television screen,
is used to display text and graphics. Speakers allow you to hear music,
voice, and other sounds generated by the computer.
1.3.3

System Unit
The system unit is a box-like case made from metal or plastic that houses
the computer electronic circuitry. The circuitry in the system unit usually
is part of or is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard.
Two main components on the motherboard are the central processing unit
(CPU) and memory. The central processing unit (CPU), also called a
processor, is the electronic device that interprets and carries out the
instructions that operate the computer.
Memory is a series of electronic elements that temporarily holds data and
instructions while they are being- processed by the CPU. Both the
processor and memory are chips. A chip is an electronic device that
contains many microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical current.
Chips, which usually are no bigger than one-half inch square, are
packaged so they can be connected to a motherboard or other circuit
boards.
Some computer components, such as the processor and memory resided
inside the system unit; that is, they are internal. Other components, like
keyboard,. mouse, microphone, monitor, PC camera, and printer, often are
system unit. These devices are considered external. Any external device
that attaches to the system unit is called a peripheral device.

1.3.4

Storage Devices
Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. Storage
differs from memory, in that it can hold these items permanently, whereas
memory holds these items only temporarily while they are being
processed. A storage medium (media is the plural) is the physical material
on which data. instructions, and information are stored. One commonly
used storage medium is a disk, which is a round, flat piece of plastic or
metal on which items can be encoded, or written.
A storage device is used to record and retrieve data, instructions, and
information to and from a storage medium. Storage devices often function
as a source of input because they transfer items from storage into memory.
Four common storage devices are a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a
CD-ROM drive, and a DVD-ROM drive. A disk drive is a device that
reads from and max write onto a disk.
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A floppy disk consists of a thin, circular. flexible disk enclosed in a plastic

shell. A floppy disk stores data, instructions, and information using
magnetic patterns and can be inserted into and removed from a floppy disk
drive. A Zip disk is a higher capacity floppy disk that can store the
equivalent of about 70 standard floppy disks.
A hard disk provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk. A
hard disk usually consists of several circular disks on which data,
instructions, and information j are stored magnetically. These disks are
enclosed in an airtight, sealed case. which often is housed inside the
system unit. Some hard disks are removable. which means they can be
inserted and removed from a hard disk drive, much like a floppy disk.
Removable disks are enclosed in plastic or metal cartridges so that they
can be removed from the drive. The advantage of removable media such
as a floppy disk and removable hard disk is it can be taken out of the
computer and transported or secured.
Another type of disk used to store data is the compact disc. A compact
disc stores data using microscopic pits, which are created by a laser light.
One type of compact disc is a CD-ROM, which is accessed or played using
a CD-ROM drive. A variation of the standard CD-ROM is the rewriteable
CD, also called a CD-RW. Whereas you only can access data on a CDROM, you also can erase and store data on a CD-RW. A newer type of
compact disc is a DVD-ROM, which has tremendous storage capacities enough for a full-length movie. To use a DVD-ROM, you need a DVDROM drive.
1.3.5 Communications Devices

1.4.

Communications devices enable computer users to communicate and to

exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another
computer. Communications devices transmit these items over transmission
media, such as cables, telephone lines, or other means, used to establish a
connection between two computers. A modem is a communications device
that enables computers to communicate via telephone lines or other
means. Although moderns are available as both external and internal
devices, most are internal; that is, contained within the system unit.
Why Is a Computer a Powerful Tool?
A computers power is derived from its capability of performing the information
processing cycle operations with speed, reliability, and accuracy; its capacity to
store huge amounts of data, instructions, and information; and its ability to
communicate with other computers.
1.4.1

Speed
Inside the system unit, operations occur through electronic circuits. When
data, instructions, and information flow along these circuits, they travel at

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close to the speed of light. This allows billions of operations to be carried
out in a single second.
1.4.2

Reliability
The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because
they have a low failure rate. The high reliability of components enables
the computer to produce consistent results.

1.4.3

Accuracy
Computers can process large amounts of data and generate error-free
results, provided the data is entered correctly. If inaccurate data is
entered, the resulting output will be incorrect. This computing principle known as garbage in, garbage out (GIGO), point out that the accuracy of a
computers output depends on the accuracy of the input.

1.4.4

Storage
Many computers can store enormous amounts of data and make this data
available for processing any time it is needed. Using current storage
devices, the data can be transferred quickly from storage to memory,
processed, and then stored again for future use.

1.4.5

Communications
Most computers today have the capability of communicating with other
computers. Computers with this capability can share any of the four
information processing cycle operations - input, process, output, and
storage - with another computer. For example, two computers connected
by a communications device such as a modem can share stored data,
instructions, and information. When two or more computers are connected
together via communications media and devices, they comprise a network.
The most widely known network is the Internet. a worldwide collection of
networks that links together millions of businesses, government
installations, educational institutions, and individuals.

1.5.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software, also called a computer program or simply a program, is a series of
instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do. For example, some
instructions direct the computer to allow you to input data from the keyboard and
store it in memory. Other instructions cause data stored in memory to be used in
calculations such as adding a series of numbers to obtain a total. Some
instructions compare two values stored in memory and direct the computer to
perform alternative operations based on the results of the comparison; and some
instructions direct the computer to print a report, display information on the
monitor, draw a color graph on the monitor, or store information on a disk.
Before a computer can perform, or execute, a program, the instructions in the
program must be placed, or loaded, into the memory of the computer. Usually,
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they are loaded into memory from storage. For example, a program might be
loaded from the hard disk of a computer into memory for execution.
When you purchase a program, such as one that contains legal documents, you
will receive one or more floppy disks, one or more CD-ROMs, or a single DVDROM on which the software is stored. To use this software, you often must install
the software on the computers hard disk.
Sometimes, a program can be loaded in memory directly from a floppy disk, CDROM, or DVD-ROM so you do not have to install it on a hard disk first. When
computer. it usually has some software already installed on its hard disk. Thus,
you can use the computer as soon as you receive it.
Software is the key to productive use of computers. With the correct software, a
computer can become a valuable tool. Software can be categorized into two types:
system software and application software. The following sections describe these
categories of software.
1.5.1 System Software
System software, which consists of programs that control the operations of
the computer and its devices, serves as the interface between a user and
the computers hardware. Two types of system software are the operating
system and utility programs.

OPERATING SYSTEM
The operating system contains instructions that coordinate all of
the activities of hardware devices. The operating system also
contains instructions that allow you to run application software.
Microsoft Windows is the name of a popular operating system that
is used on many of todays computers.
When you start a computer, the operating system is loaded, or
copied, into memory from the computers hard disk. It remains in
memory while the computer is running and allows you to
communicate with the computer and other software.

UTILITY PROGRAMS
A utility program is a type of system software that performs a
specific task. usually related to managing a computer. its devices,
or its programs. An example of a utility program is an uninstaller,
which removes a program that has been installed on a computer.
Most operating systems include several utility programs for
managing disk drives, printers, and other devices. You also can
buy stand-alone utility programs to perform additional computer
management functions.

USER INTERFACE
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All software has a user interface that is the part of the software
with which you interact. The user interface controls how data and
instructions are entered and how information is presented on the
screen. Many of todays software programs have a graphical user
interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey), which allows you to
interact with the software using visual images such as icons. An
icon is a small image that represents a program, an instruction, or
some other object.
1.5.2

Application Software
Application software consists of programs designed to perform specific
tasks for users. Popular application software includes word processing
software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation
graphics software memos. Spreadsheet software allows you to calculate
numbers arranged in rows and columns and often is used for budgeting,
forecasting, and other financial tasks. Database software is used to store
data in an organized fashion, as well as to retrieve, manipulate, and
display that data in a meaningful form. Presentation graphics software
allows you to create documents called slides that are used in making
presentations. These four applications often are sold together as a single
unit, called a suite, in which individual applications are packaged in the
same box and sold for a price that is significantly less than buying the
applications individually.
Many other types of application software exist, thus enabling users to
perform a variety of tasks. Some widely used software applications
include: reference education, and entertainment; desktop publishing; photo
and video editing: multimedia authoring: network, communications,
electronic mail, and Web browsers; accounting: project management; and
personal information management.
Application software is available as packaged software, custom software,
shareware, freeware, and public-domain software.

PACKAGED SOFTWARE
Packaged software is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety
of users, not just a single user or company. Packaged software
sometimes is called commercial off-the-shelf software because you
can purchase these programs off the shelf from software vendors or
stores that sell computer products. You also can purchase packaged
software on the Internet. Some companies today offer products on
the Internet; that is, instead of installing the software onto your
computer, you run the programs on the Internet.

CUSTOM SOFTWARE
Sometimes a user or organization with unique software
requirements cannot find packaged software that meets all of its
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needs. In this case, the user or organization can use custom
software, which is a program or programs developed at a users
request to perform specific functions.

SHAREWARE
Shareware is software that is distributed free for a trial period. If
you want to use a shareware program beyond that period of time,
you are expected to send a payment to the person or company that
developed the program. Upon sending this small fee, the developer
registers you to receive service assistance and updates.

FREE WARE AND PUBLIC-DOMAIN SOFTWARE

Freeware is software that is provided at no cost to a user by an
individual or company. Although free, freeware is copyrighted,
meaning you cannot resell it as your own. Public-domain software
is free software that has been donated for public use and has no
copyright restrictions.
Examples of shareware, freeware, and public-domain software
include utility programs, graphics programs, and games.
Thousands of these programs are available on the Internet; you
also can obtain copies of the program from the developer, a coworker, or a friend.

1.6

NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via
communications media and devices such as cables telephone lines, modems, or
other means. Sometimes a network is wireless; that is, uses no physical lines or
wires. When your computer is connected to a Computers are networked together
so users can share resources, such as hardware devices, software programs, data,
and information. Sharing resources saves time and money. For example, instead
of purchasing one printer for every computer in a company or in a home, you can
connect a single printer and all computers via a network (Figure 1-2); the network
enables all of the computers to access the same printer.

Figure 1-2 this local area network (LAN) enables

two separate computers to share the same printer

Most business computers are networked together. These networks can be

relatively small or quite extensive. A network that connects computers in a

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limited geographic area, such as a school computer laboratory, office, or group of
buildings, is called a local area network (LAN). A network that covers a large
geographical area, such as one that connects the district offices of a national
corporation, is called a wide area network (WAN).
The worlds largest network is the Internet, which is a worldwide collection of
networks that links together millions of computers by means of modems,
telephone lines, wireless technology, and other communications devices and
media. With an abundance of resources and data accessible via the Internet, more
than 125 million users around the world are making use of the Internet for a
variety of reasons, some of which include the following:

Sending messages to other connected users (e-mail)

Accessing a wealth of information, such as news, maps, airline schedules,
and stock market data
Shopping for goods and services
Meeting or conversing with people around the world
Accessing sources of entertainment and leisure, such as online games,
magazines, and vacation planning guides

One of the more popular segments of the Internet is the World Wide Web, also
called the Web, which contains billions of documents called Web pages. A Web
page is a document that contains text, graphics, sound, or video, and has built-in
connections, or links, to other Web documents. Web pages are stored on
computers throughout the world. A Web site is a related collection of Web pages.
You access and view Web pages using a software program called a Web browser.
The two most popular Web browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and
Netscape Navigator.
1.7

CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS
The four major categories of computers are personal computers, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, and supercomputers. These categories are based on the
differences in the size, speed, processing capabilities, and price of computers. Due
to rapidly changing technology, the categories cannot be defined precisely. For
example, the speed used to define a mainframe today may be used to define a
minicomputer next year. Some characteristics may overlap categories. Still, they
frequently are used and should be understood.
1.7.1 PERSONAL COMPUTERS
A personal computer (PC) is a computer that can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself; that is. it contains at
least one input device, one output device, one storage device, memory,
and a processor. The processor, sometimes called a microprocessor, is a
central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip and is the basic building
block of a PC.
Two popular series of personal computers are the PC and the Apple
Macintosh. These two types of computers have different processors and
use different operating systems. The PC and compatibles use the Windows
operating system, whereas the Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh
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operating system. Today, the terms PC and compatible are used to refer to
any personal computer that is based on specifications of the original IBM
PC computer. Companies such as Gateway, Compaq, Dell, and Toshiba all
sell PC-compatible computers.
Two major categories of personal computers are desktop computers and
portable computers. These types of personal computers are discussed in
the next two sections.

Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is designed so the system unit, input devices,
output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a
desk or table. In some desktop models, the system unit is placed
horizontally on top of a desk along with the other devices. A tower
model, in contrast, has a tall and narrow system unit that is
designed to be placed on the floor vertically. Tower model desktop
computers are available in a variety of heights: a full tower is at
least 21 inches tall, a mid-tower is about 16 inches tall, and a minitower is usually 13 inches tall. The model of desktop computer you
use often is determined by the design of your workspace.

1.7.2 MINICOMPUTERS
A minicomputer, is more powerful and larger than a workstation
computer. Minicomputers often can support up to 4,000 connected users at
the same time. Users often access a minicomputer via a terminal, which is
a device with a monitor and keyboard. Such terminals - sometimes called
dumb terminals because they have no processing power - cannot act as
stand-alone computers and must be connected to the minicomputer to
operate. A minicomputer also can act as a server in a network
environment. In this case, personal computers access the minicomputer.
1.7.3 MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
A mainframe is a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can
handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. Like
minicomputers, mainframes also can act as a server in a network
environment. Mainframes can store tremendous amounts of data,
instructions, and information, which users can access with terminals or
personal computers.
1.7.4

SUPERCOMPUTERS
A super-computer is the fastest, most powerful computer - and the most
expensive. Capable of processing more than 64 billion instructions in a
single second, supercomputers are used for applications requiring
complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations. For example, a
supercomputer would be used for weather forecasting, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration.

1.8 EXAMPLES OF COMPUTERS USAGE

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Every day, people depend on different types of computers for a variety of

applications.
1.8.1 Home Users
Home users rely on their computers for entertainment; communications;
research and education; Web access; shopping; personal finance; and
productivity applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.
1.8.2

Small Business Users

Small business users utilize productivity software as well as
communications software, Web browsers, e-mail, and specialized
software.

1.8.3

Mobile Users
Mobile users have laptop computers so they can work on the road. They
often use presentation software.

1.8.4

Large Business Users

Large business users use computers to run their businesses by using
productivity software, communications software, automated systems for
most departments in the company, and large networks.

1.8.5

Power Users
Power users require the capabilities of workstations or other powerful
computers to design plans, produce publications, create graphic art, and
work with multimedia that includes text, graphics, sound, video, and other
media elements.

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